And we’re off on another travel adventure! In this episode of 1st Look, we join forces with guest host Tabitha Lipkin to explore one of the loveliest destinations across the nation: give it up for Vermont! Not only do we experience a new appreciation for the Green Mountain state's talented and mindful communities and bucolic landscape, but also its plentiful offerings that remind us to slow down, step off the beaten path, and soak in the charming possibilities around us — including a visit to the historical Trapp Family Lodge inspired by the Sound of Music, a session of glass molding, a form of politically-charged theater mixed with puppetry, and a hot air balloon ride over the breathtaking fall foliage.

1. We begin our Vermont journey at Killeen Crossroads Farm, exploring the culture of intentional farming that has made this progressively thinking state the harbor of unique forms of harvesting — which includes the cheese and wine we regularly consume — while also savoring a true farm-to-table seasonal meal with Sas Stewart (owner of Adventure dinner) and local farmers and producers. From Jasper Hill Farm, where taking it slow results in the best quality of cheese, to Kalchē Wine vineyards, a welcoming winery co-operative that gains wine straight from the grape, Vermont makes it possible to create quality products for the community and make it worth talking about. (And yes, Tabitha got to crush some alpine hybrid grapes in the process!)

2. "The hills are alive” at the Trapp Family Lodge, where we learn more about the true story behind the sensational musical film “The Sound of Music" and the real-life von Trapp family and their arrival to the US as a singing troupe. This space, nestled in the misty mountains of Stowe, has been a popular spot for years for nature appreciators to take in the beautiful views — but the history behind this lodge is truly what makes people check out this landmark for “A Little of Austria, A Lot of Vermont!”

3. Molding glass and slip casting has been a staple in the art scene of Vermont and, to this very day, continues to remain a popular fixture. Whether it be the creation of such a unique piece of artistic expression, or sitting around the fire and telling stories, this process of sculpting has been instrumental in the state’s community for generations. While visiting AO Glass, Tabitha interviews Rich Arentzen and Tove Ohlander — its welcoming Swedish owners who chose to settle in Burlington due to the city's creative community support and environmental common sense — to learn more about the artist community and the art of glass blowing in further depth. She even gets to enjoy a glass-blowing lesson! And that's not all! Tabitha also gets to enjoy a fun slip casting session — a form of ceramics and plaster molds — creating pieces with Brielle Rovito at Dust + Form studio. Brielle eloquently explains how supportive the local arts community is and how folks in Vermont have different priorities when it comes to work/lifesyle balance.

4. Prepare to be both entertained and moved at the core! Welcome to The Bread and Puppet Museum, a radical political theater that tackles political and social issues through heartfelt puppetry. We sit down with Peter Schumann, one of the masterminds behind this experiential theater, to learn more about what inspired this idea and led him to dedicate 50 years to growing this wonderful experience, which dovetails creative expression with activism. Schumann not only makes art accessible to all, but he also offers his audiences the opportunity to “chew” on the idea of changing the world around them, a few puppets and a loaf of sourdough rye bread at a time.


Subscribe to 1st Look on YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/1stlookyoutubesub
1st Look INSTAGRAM: https://bit.ly/2MhlPsA
1st Look TWITTER: https://bit.ly/2CrNhiR
1st Look FACEBOOK: https://bit.ly/2TXRMJa

Watch 1st Look Saturday’s after SNL on NBC!